Winterize today for a warm and cozy home tomorrow

12/02/2014 10:53AM
● By Tim

(BPT) - Last winter’s polar vortex not only affected the majority of the country with subfreezing temperatures, but wreaked havoc on utility bills. In fact, consumers in 13 states and the District of Columbia used enough energy in January to capture eight of the 10 highest winter demand days on record, according to PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator. According to the Farmers’ Almanac and other weather predictors, a polar vortex is expected to rear its ugly head again this winter.Now is the time to take simple steps to prepare yourself and your home for the cold, unforgiving season ahead. These simple steps will help ensure your home is comfortable and cozy this winter:

Seal gaps and cracks: The average, mid-size U.S. home has an astonishing half-mile of gaps and cracks that outside air can infiltrate and conditioned air can leak out of, according to the Air Barrier Association of America. Air infiltration accounts for 38 percent of home energy loss. Even your doors and windows can let warm air out.

The good news is that you can fix it all. A few simple air insulating and winterizing projects can help homeowners save up to 30 percent on home energy costs, according to the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Great Stuff Gaps & Cracks and Window & Door insulating foam sealants from Dow Building Solutions can help eliminate costly utility bills. Fill the gaps and cracks around doors and windows, small spaces - such as electrical outlets and plumbing pipes - for a cozy and energy efficient home. For a full list of ideas, reference Dow’s air sealing checklist:greatstuff.dow.com/pdfs/checklist.pdf.